Maya Brennan details her experience creating a Design System for SpotAI, highlighting the lack of practical resources for small design teams. She emphasizes that many existing guides focus on complex processes rather than the straightforward steps needed for startups. Brennan outlines a clear framework, starting with the importance of creating a moodboard filled with real UI examples instead of conceptual designs. This initial step helps align the team and sets the tone for the design direction. After establishing a visual foundation, the next phase involves building mockups in Figma using components to identify inconsistencies. She stresses the value of leveraging existing open-source component libraries, like Radix UI or React Aria, which simplify the process and ensure accessibility. Choosing the right library depends on ease of implementation and compatibility with designs. Once a suitable library is selected, customizing it in Figma is essential, requiring attention to detail to ensure the Design System reflects the desired aesthetic and functionality. Finally, implementation and maintenance are crucial. It's vital for the design team to use the Design System exclusively for new projects and educate the broader team on its application. Transitioning from an old UI to a new system requires planning for interim states, as complete overhauls may not be feasible. The effort spent in creating and maintaining the Design System ultimately enhances product consistency and efficiency.